Technology has greatly impacted our lives. The Internet has taken a large portion of our time and absorbed the task of organizing things for us. We are so used to our electronic devices that we can’t even think for a single moment without their use. Social media has taken a toll on our waking life. If at any point in time you make your mind get disconnected from all of your electronic devices, messaging, and social media, try out these simple techniques to feel more directly connected to your family and friends.
1. Designing a Blissful Environment in Your Home
- Move your Computer to a dedicated room so that your bedroom and another room are not exposed to electronics. By following this practice, you will feel relaxed and stress-free when sitting with your family in other rooms.
- Leave your Charger in the computer room. When a device needs to be charged, it should be charged in the computer room so that vibrations and sound from the charging device cannot interrupt your calm experience.
- Keep your TV, Tablet, and mobile in your bedroom. The blue light caused an irruption in the sleeping habits. People do not get enough sleep due to the disturbance caused by these electronic gadgets.
- Sometimes it’s good to go beyond your daily routine. Switch off your alarms on a weekend. Get a good sleep at least on weekends. If you do not get enough sleep, then you surely will be engaging with your electronics for one hour before sleeping. Those who get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day are more relaxed and healthy. Lack of sleep can cause a poor immune system and increase anxiety.
- You can use an online timer to remind you of the time you spend on the internet.
2. Planning Non-Digital Activities
- Take a Sauna or Steam Bath to relax. You can enjoy a hot tub bath at home, dim the lights, and play soft music.
- Call some old friends for a reunion and plan outside barbecue.
- You can join a sports club, yoga classes, or other group activities to enjoy being with yourself totally.
- Choose a day of solitude and inform your family or friends that you do not have your mobile phone with you.
- Start thinking of your hobbies that you can do in or outside the house. If you can’t name two hobbies for each place, then surely the internet has taken the place of creativity and stress relief.
- Most important is to plan two-week vacations once in a year to rejuvenate yourself. Take a break from your monotonous routine. Plan your vacations well in advance.
3. More Digital Detox and Mindful Living Tips
To complement your path to a healthy digital lifestyle, take these extra tips:
- Designate Tech-Free Spaces and Moments: Declare specific spaces in your home, like your dining table, as tech-free. Also, designate specific moments in a day—such as during meals or the initial hour after waking up—when electronics are forbidden.
- Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Add mindfulness exercises or meditation to your daily routine. These techniques enhance concentration, minimize stress, and make you more conscious of your device use habits.
- Get Outside: Being in nature is known to enhance mood and cognitive performance. Walking, gardening, or hiking in a park offers a welcome respite from screens.
- Encourage Family Digital Detox Challenges: Turn turning off into a fun, group activity by creating challenges among your family or friends, like “no phone dinner” or “weekend screen-free time.” Share in your triumphs.
Conclusion
Technology is wonderful when used consciously, but excessive dependence can get in the way of genuine connection and happiness. By creating a home space conducive to relaxation, scheduling meaningful non-tech activities, and embracing mindful habits, you can take back your time and attention. These easy yet effective techniques, drawn from Narendra Singh Plaha, encourage you to break free from the screens and indulge in the glory of real-time experiences with family, friends, and yourself.
Remember, life’s most precious moments tend to occur when we disconnect and really engage. Begin today and reconnect with the beauty of living fully present.
